olfactory ensheathing cell

olfactory ensheathing cell

A glial cell of neural crest origin that participates in the growth and guidance of primary neurons in the olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium. OECs have a short (6 to 8 week) lifespan and are replaced by differentiated stem cells in the region. Growth and regeneration of olfactory axons is attributed to OECs, which form bundles through which axons grow from the periphery into the CNS, guided by the glial composition and cytoarchitecture of the olfactory bulb and OECs. OEC transplantation to sites of spinal cord injuries in dogs has been successfully used to restore function; it has not been tried in human trials.

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